8-Year-Old Bitten by Dolphin at SeaWorld

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- An Alpharetta, Georgia girl suffered minor injuries when she was bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld in Orlando.

The incident happened on Nov. 21 when 8-year-old Jillian Thomas was feeding dolphins with her younger brother at the Dolphin Cove attraction.

Amy Thomas told 11Alive News her daughter was nearly pulled into the pool when a dolphin jumped up and clamped down on the child's hand. She suffered three small puncture wounds.

The family is upset because they said there were no warnings that such a thing could happen when they paid $7 per person to feed the dolphins, nor did they feel the incident was treated with a sense of urgency.

"When it happened, a SeaWorld attendant quickly came up and said 'Let's take the kids to a positive dolphin experience,' and we told her our daughter needs first aid," Amy said.

The family is speaking out in hopes of preventing others kids from having a similar experience.

In response, SeaWorld issued the following statement:

"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our guests, employees and animals. Educators and animal care staff are always on-site at this area, monitoring all interactions and are committed to guest safety. Educators and animal care staff were at the attraction when this happened and immediately connected with the family. In addition, a member of our health services team was in the area at Dolphin Cove and quickly responded and treated the young girl. The video had not been previously shared with us and we have not had a chance to assess it but certainly take the situation seriously."